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That's the message from the state Department of Environmental Conservation, which warned Friday that the annual breeding migrations of salamanders and frogs have started because of the recent stretch of warm weather.

And that means drivers should be on the lookout for frogs, salamanders and other amphibians crossing the road, state officials said.

"As the State’s Wildlife Action Plan identifies road mortality as a significant threat to frogs, toads, and salamanders, I encourage all New Yorkers and visitors traveling through our state to keep an eye out for amphibians," DEC commissioner Basil Seggos said in a statement.

The issue is particularly acute in the Hudson Valley, where the DEC uses volunteers to document the movements of the animals.

The volunteers with the Amphibian Migrations and Road Crossings Project will study locations where migrations cross roads, and they record weather and traffic conditions to try to protect the frogs, toads and other amphibians.

"The volunteers also carefully help the amphibians to safety cross roads," the DEC said.

Now in its ninth year, the project involves more than 300 volunteers who have assisted 8,500 amphibians cross New York roads, DEC said.

The migration starts when the ground starts to thaw in late winter and early spring.

Spotted salamanders and wood frogs emerge from their underground winter shelters and walk to woodland ponds for breeding.

In New York, the process starts in late March and early April, particularly on rainy nights when temperatures exceed 40 degrees, the DEC said.

One of several species of mole salamanders on its way to a vernal pool at the Cary Institute in Millbrook, Dutchess County. Mole salamanders spend most of their lives on land but move back to vernal pools (temporary woodland ponds) to mate and lay their eggs in March and April. The state is urging drivers to be on the lookout for amphibians on the move this time of year.(Photo: Maya Almaraz/Courtesy photo from Poughkeepsie Journal)

And when the mood is just right, the DEC said there can be "explosive ('big night') migrations, with hundreds of amphibians on the move, many having to cross roads."

All of this might be happening sooner this year because of the stints of warmer weather, the state said.